This American Bar Association (ABA) approved program is designed to prepare the student to work in a paraprofessional capacity as an assistant to an attorney in a law firm, governmental agency or corporation as defined by section 6450 of the California Business and Professions Code. The paralegal performs many tasks normally handled by an attorney, such as preparing forms and pleadings, interviewing clients and witnesses, legal research and document organization. Strong English skills, computer knowledge and good organizational skills are an asset in this profession. A paralegal/Legal Assistant as defined by California Business and Professions Code 6450is qualified by education

When students complete the program they will be able to:

1. Make ethical decisions in the workplace 1. Students will complete the Para 121 Ethics class 2. Students will incorporate ethical standards in the Law Office Management class through problem solving and discussion board discussions. 2. Understand legal concepts 1. Students will demonstrate legal concepts in the legal specialty classes through examination and practical exercises. 2. Students will draft law office memorandum and appellate briefs in the Advanced Legal writing class incorporating analysis of legal concepts. 3. Communicate effectively orally and in writing 1. Students will draft law office memorandum. 2. Students will use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 3. Students will create client correspondence. 4. Be proficient in using legal technology 1. Students will demonstrate the use of the Microsoft suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) in their completion of assignments. 2. Students will complete assignments using legal specific software. 5. Exhibit critical thinking skills 1. Students will analyze cases related to the legal specialty classes. 2. Students will analyze fact patters to demonstrate the application of legal concepts to fact patterns.

The Paralegal program at Santa Ana College is an ABA approved program that meets the requirements of California Business and Professions code 6450.

Note: This American Bar Association approved program is not intended to prepare the student for the practice of law. Paralegals are not allowed to practice law in the state of California. This program is intended to prepare the student to perform legal services under the direct supervision of an active member of the California State Bar as set forth in the Business and Professions code 6450 and the Rules of Professional Responsibility which may be reviewed on the

Want to make a career switch to a
more lucrative field, but worried about starting from scratch in terms of
education requirements? We hear you loud and clear. Earning a degree can be a
strain on your time, energy, and money, so it's not a decision to take lightly.

But what if we told you that some
well-paying jobs might not require four long years of preparation in school?
It's true - you could spend as little as two years in school and pursue
a high-paying job upon completion.

To make your own career search a
little simpler, we've homed in on a few fields that are worth looking into for
their short-on-school, big-on-pay potential. Read on for our picks.

Think you might have what it takes
to prepare facts and search for witnesses for a big case? Then a career as a
paralegal might be a good option for you. The best news of all? You could pursue
this path without ever stepping foot into law school and still manage to be
compensated quite nicely year after year.

What They Do: According
to the U.S. Department of Labor, paralegals might help lawyers stay on top of
duties such as drafting correspondence, preparing and filing documents for
court use, and conducting research for cases.

Why It Pays:
Even though paralegals don't go to law school, Cheryl Lynch Simpson, an
Ohio-based job search coach and owner of ExecutiveResumeRescue.com, points out
that a lot of the skills paralegals must possess are the same as lawyers
themselves.

"Sometimes paralegals know more
about the given cases, because they've done all the prep and grunt work behind
the scenes, and the lawyer's the one that comes out to present in court,"
she says. "Because of that skill set, pay is high. It's a combination of
having that legal mind - being probing and investigative - and balancing just a
huge workload of research that involves critical thinking."

How To Prepare: According
to the Department of Labor, most paralegals have either an associate's degree
in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in a different field and a
certificate in paralegal studies. Some firms may hire candidates with
bachelor's degrees and then provide them with on-the-job related training, says
the Department.